Pabna, Nov. 16 -- Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar on Sunday said the government has approved a plan to transform Pabna Mental Hospital into a modern, international-standard psychiatric institute as part of its priority to strengthen the country's mental healthcare system.

He made the remarks while speaking at the award-giving and reception ceremony of the 12th International Conference on Psychiatry, organised by the Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists (BAP) at a hotel in the capital, according to a PID handout.

The adviser said the National Institute of Mental Health in Dhaka has long been facing constraints in expanding education, research and services due to a shortage of space.

Utilising ...